Home Invasion Suspects Will Be Tried Separately

The suspects in last year's triple slaying in Cheshire will be tried separately, the prosecutor seeking the death penalty in the case told a Superior Court judge today.

But New Haven State Attorney Michael Dearington said he is considering trying Joshua Komisarjevsky and Steven Hayes simultaneously with different juries. Dearington revealed the new details at a pre-trial hearing today in front of Judge Richard A. Damiani.

Komisarjevsky, 27, of Cheshire, and Hayes, 44 of Winsted, have pleaded not guilty to the July 23 beating of Dr. William Petit and the killing of his wife, Jennifer Hawke-Petit, and their daughters, Hayley, 17, and Michaela, 11. They face capital felony and multiple murder, kidnapping, sexual assault and arson charges in connection with the killings. The men, both convicted criminals, were out on parole at the time of the attack.